Michigan House Bill HB4766

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23

Caption

Liquor: other; certain references in the liquor control act; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 801 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1801). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

Impact

The implications of HB 4766 are significant for retail licensees within Michigan. They must continue to comply with restrictions concerning the sale of alcohol to minors and those who are visibly intoxicated. The amendment does not alter the existing prohibition on selling alcohol to these individuals but emphasizes the necessity for clear and modernized legal phrasing that reflects societal progress towards equality. The bill, therefore, reinforces existing legal standards while aligning the language with current cultural sensibilities.

Summary

House Bill 4766 proposes amendments to the Michigan Liquor Control Code to introduce gender-neutral language within section 801. This section outlines the legal framework regarding the sale of alcoholic liquor to minors and visibly intoxicated individuals. The bill aims to clarify and modernize the language used in the law without changing the underlying legal obligations of retail licensees. By ensuring that the provisions are gender-neutral, the bill seeks to promote inclusivity in legal documentation regarding alcohol-related statutes.

Contention

Although HB 4766 primarily addresses linguistic updates, it may not be without debate. Some stakeholders may argue that any changes to liquor laws, even those that seem minor, warrant careful scrutiny due to the potential for other unintended legal or social repercussions. The careful navigation of legal terminology and its implications for interpretation in future cases could be points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups concerned about alcohol regulation and public health.